YAMAHA DRUMS KEEPS TOP SUMMER FESTS ROCKIN’

—Drum Kits Keep the Beat for Vans Warped Tour and Sprite Remixed Tour—

BUENA PARK, CA (August 8, 2003)—Yamaha Drums landed spots on two of the biggest music festivals of the summer as the official drum company for the Vans Warped Tour and the Sprite Remixed Tour.

“We approached Yamaha because of their reputation in the drum community, and their willingness to support the tours,” explained Alex Esquivel, sponsorship coordinator for the tours. “The kits are there for the bands to use, and we’ve received a lot of positive comments.”

Joe Testa, artist relations manager, Yamaha Drums, added, “Yamaha has three kits out with the Warped Tour, two on the Sprite dates, and we’ve also got signage up at the show sites. Given the popularity of these festivals, it’s great exposure, particularly with younger audiences.”

Donald Tardy of Andrew W.K. Rocks on the Warped Tour

Now in its ninth season and featuring a rotating roster of over 50 acts from the punk and alt-rock genres, the Vans Warped Tour has grown into one of the most anticipated summer fests with its mix of high-energy music, extreme sports stars, demos and onsite activities. This year’s line-up includes Rancid, the Used, Andrew W.K. (with Yamaha drummer Donald Tardy), All American Rejects, Less Than Jake, Dropkick Murphys and Simple Plan.

Billed as “…an expression of the urban experience featuring a fusion of music, street sports, artistic demonstrations and entertainment,” the 20-date Sprite Liquid Mix Tour promises to deliver musical diversity by featuring established and upcoming artists from the hip-hop and rock genres. The tour runs through September with a line-up that includes N.E.R.D., the Roots (with Yamaha artist Ahmir “?love” Thompson), O.A.R., Talib Kweli, Kelis, Skillz, High Speed Scene, the Wylde Bunch and several others.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.